The United States and Russia completed their largest post-Soviet prisoner swap, freeing two dozen individuals, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, American Paul Whelan, and dissidents like Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Gershkovich, Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds dual U.S.-Russia citizenship, returned to the U.S. for a joyful reunion with their families at Joint Base Andrews, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted them.

Despite strained U.S.-Russia relations following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the complex exchange was finalized, even though negotiations initially considered including Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in February, the Associated Press has reported.

The deal required significant concessions from European allies, including the release of a Russian assassin, and secured the freedom of journalists, suspected spies, political prisoners, and others.

Written by B.C. Begley